Job Type: Full-time, exempt, salariedWork Location: This position is hybrid, with expected work in the office at Mount Vernon at 1111 Cleveland Ave Mount Vernon, WA. Work will be done in the field throughout Skagit and Island Counties with a focus on food business and engagement in Spanish speaking communities.Salary: $31.25/hour to $34.61/hour (equivalent to $65,000-$72,000 annualized) DOEBenefits: Employer-supported health care insurance, group rates for dental/vision insurance, access to a non-contributory 401 K retirement planOrganization SummaryThe Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurships mission is to make the possibility of business ownership available to everyone through accessible and inclusive first-step business training, advising, and support to emerging entrepreneurs and early-stage microenterprises in underrepresented rural communities throughout Washington State. Our training, one-on-one advising, and other support help them start a business that is ready to grow. CIE and its partners and participants are redefining entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship provides more than a means to achieve individual financial self-sufficiency and economic development. Entrepreneurship creates an empowerment mindset everyone can develop to become leaders ready to build sustainable, resilient, and equitably shared community wealth. Position SummaryThe Business Advisor will provide instructional and counseling work in the North Cascades region, focusing on business feasibility assessments, business planning, business financing, loan packaging, hiring new employees and personnel issues, developing management systems to support bankability and growth, and other business issues. The services are intensive and continuous to emerging microenterprises, helping them improve their management capacity to achieve greater operations and profitability with an onramp to the Small Business Development Centers in Mount Vernon for those ready to scale. The Business Advisor will develop and maintain a referral partner network in Western Washington. The Business Advisor will work closely with the Small Business Development Center in Mount Vernon and representatives of other economic development and business assistance programs, with community-based service agencies, other microenterprise development programs, local representatives of the economic development councils, area chambers of commerce, and local trade associations, as well as community-based agencies and organizations targeting underserved communities. Essential Functions & ResponsibilitiesCommunity EngagementIn addition to providing training and technical assistance, perform significant outreach activities to inform communities about the SBDC, CIE, and the Community Enterprise program through regular contact with economic and community development stakeholders and partners, leading the development of a strong referral partner network throughout the region. Develop strategic partnerships with community stakeholders in Skagit and Island counties, including, but not limited to, economic development councils, business associations, chambers of commerce, service clubs, and community-based social service agencies to cultivate the development of a strong referral partner network. Maintain financial stewardship with local funders and work closely with leadership to align deliverables and outcomes within our budget.Assist leadership in preparing budgets, grant applications, and progress reports to funders. Support Program Manager, other business advisors and outreach staff in the North Cascades region to meet goals and develop professionally. Business AdvisingOversee screening of potential clients in the North Cascades region via phone, email, and in person to determine whether the applicant is income-eligible, has a goal that fits the programs mission, and is ready to move toward a specific business goal. Work with CIEs Program Coordinator to complete the new client intake and enrollment process and maintain client files.Develop and teach Drill Down workshops on the fundamentals of the operational aspects of business management to individuals and groups of business owners and managers on an as-needed basis, depending on the resources available and needs in the service area.Provide one-on-one technical assistance to help clients:Complete a needs assessment and clarify business goalsAssess the feasibility of business goalsDevelop an action plan for achieving business goals Develop a business plan, operating plan, or marketing planGet their business started, stabilized, and/or growingDevelop management systems to support bankability and growthDevelop financial statements and use them for financial analysisAccess capital for startup, stabilization, or expansion Connect to other existing business development programs, services, and resources.Record and report on client activities using a proprietary client management system following established policies and guidelines. Collaborate with CIE team members, other partners, and stakeholders to help design, build, and deliver practical products and services to start microenterprises and keep them growing, including workshops, practical worksheets, templates, and other tools, including through participation in statewide SBDC staff meetings.Through attendance and participation in professional groups, seminars, and/or courses and conferences, continue professional development to expand core competencies in all areas of business necessary to help start a small business and get it ready to grow. Other assigned responsibilities as required, at the discretion of his/her manager.Preferred QualificationsEducation. Bachelors degree in business or related field or equivalent work experience. Commitment to Diversity. Demonstrated experience working with a wide range of constituencies in diverse communities. Has the ability to establish interpersonal rapport and relate to individuals from various backgrounds and cultures.Business Management Knowledge. Knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of small business operations, including an understanding of basic small business accounting, finance and financial statements, financial analysis, and loan underwriting. Ability to develop basic business plans, marketing plans, financial strategies, and business loan proposals. Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare reports.Consulting Skills. Ability to work one-on-one with diverse clients to define their goals and concerns, identify options with the attendant potential consequences, and place them in a position to decide an appropriate course of action and provide services to help achieve their business goals.Communication Skills. Strong oral, written, and listening skills. Ability to articulate complex procedures clearly. Excellent facilitation and presentation skills for diverse audiences. Computer Skills. Competent with Google Workstation, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint functionality, and able to learn new programs. Including the ability to collect and analyze statistical data. Client management system experience preferred.Customer Service Orientation. The desire and ability to provide friendly and flexible services that resolve concerns promptly following the appropriate processes and procedures. Ability to remain poised under a variety of circumstances and to interact effectively with people in a positive manner that engenders confidence and trust.Computer Skills: Competent with client management systems, Google Workstation, Zoom, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint functionality, and able to learn new programs. Includes the ability to collect and analyze statistical data. Customer Service Orientation: The desire and ability to provide friendly and flexible services that resolve concerns promptly following the appropriate processes and procedures. Ability to remain poised under a variety of circumstances and to interact effectively with people in a positive manner that engenders confidence and trust. Agile Self-Starter: Ability to exercise independent judgment, make effective decisions, and complete assigned tasks without direct supervision. High tolerance for ambiguity. Ability to sustain work and attention despite distractions and/or interruptions. Ability to address multiple complex problems simultaneously without loss of efficiency or accuracy, including the ability to execute multiple assignments from multiple sources. Well organized: Must be well organized to manage more than 100 clients annually from every sector of the local business community; have the ability to juggle multiple important priorities; be comfortable in a fast-paced environment working with culturally diverse communities; and have demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and timely records of professional activities.Team player: Strong team attitude and approach to work. Places a higher emphasis on contributions to a work team than on receiving recognition for personal contribution. Has the ability to work in collaboration with multiple team members, to share ideas, to be open to the ideas of others, and to work toward organizational priorities and goals.Reliable Transportation. Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel by vehicle extensively to facilitate outreach events, orientations and as needed to meet with clients and other business assistance programs within a 100+ mile radius from office location.Desired QualificationsFive or more years experience in business ownershipPrior business counseling experience Bi-lingual native Spanish speaker from or with strong roots in North Cascades region of WashingtonWork EnvironmentOffice hours are approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Physical requirements: Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Education and Experience:Bachelor's Degree in business or job-related field of study from an accredited four-year college or university or equivalent work experience. Experience working with a wide range of constituencies in diverse communities.Experience using client management software. License or Certificates: Valid Washington State driver's license. Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and driving. Must be able to drive a motor vehicle. Must be able to lift 25 pounds at times. Working Conditions, Tools and Equipment: Duties are performed primarily in the field, clients place of business, or remotely. Typical office equipment used to accomplish job tasks: computer, cell phone, printer and photocopier/scanner. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Extensive vehicle travel to facilitate outreach events, orientations, and meet with clients and other business assistance programs within a 100+ mile radius from office location. Must have access to reliable transportation. Equal Opportunity EmploymentCIE is committed to equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national, social, or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.Americans with Disabilities ActApplicants, as well as employees who are or have become disabled, must be able to perform the essential duties & responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis following applicable law.How to ApplyPriority consideration will be given to applications received by November 30th, 2024. Please submit a cover letter and resume via our website. For questions contact mike.skinner@cie-nw.org. recblid serled3fh5vtjb7kzkxwmzvpky0cku